When I spent a few days with the M23 rebels of eastern Congo in August, they were clear that their April mutiny against the Congolese army and seizure of territory along the Rwandan and Ugandan borders was essentially a form of …
A Winner, but Little Unity, in Battle to Lead French Conservatives
After 24 hours of chaos and fraud allegations, Jean-François Copé is re-elected leader of French conservatives with gestures to the far right that divides his camp.
Must-Reads from Around the World
Colombia’s Farc rebels declare a two-month cease-fire, the E.U. backs a new Syrian opposition coalition, and Egypt blames Israel for the conflict in Gaza.
The Gaza Crisis and Egypt: Can Cairo Manage a Complex Relationship?
In the face of pressing domestic concerns, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy’s government continues to navigate the treacherous waters of the latest Israel-Gaza conflict. As Israeli air strikes rock the tiny coastal territory …
France’s Right-Wing Civil War: Leadership Vote Plunges UMP into Chaos
Allegations of voter fraud add further bile to the leadership race for France’s main conservative party, as it chooses between its neo-Gaullist roots or drifting towards the far right of Marine Le Pen
Obama in Burma: U.S. President’s Landmark Visit Brings Hope, Criticism
President Obama’s landmark stop in Burma has been met by skepticism by some in Washington, but was greeted with rapturous applause in Rangoon
The Israeli Assault on Gaza: How Surgical Are the Strikes?
The Israel Defense Forces insist that Operation Defensive Pillar is taking pains to minimize civilian casualties by “cleaning the target” before a strike. The fatalities may be low compared with the previous Gaza conflict, but …
Dispatch from Warsaw: The Conspiracy Theory Roiling Poland
More than two years after it took place, a deadly plane crash continues to divide Poles as a conspiracy theory begins to gain ground
Must-Reads from Around the World
Brazil’s educational system isn’t keeping up with the country’s economy, the Sri Lankan president is criticized for turning the nation into his personal fief, and the Church of England votes over whether to allow women to become bishops
As Morsi Deals with Gaza, Egypt Is Slammed with a Tragic Domestic Disaster
A horrific train-and-bus accident underlined the Mubarak-era infrastructure and corruption that Egypt’s new leader must attend to — even as a foreign crisis demands attention
The Firebrand Who Renamed Bombay: Bal Thackeray (1926–2012)
In India, Bal Thackeray exuded an influence that inspired many but was loathsome to more. His image was unmistakable: his broad-lensed spectacles, the beaded necklace around his neck, his trademark white kurta and dhoti. His …
After Pregnant Woman’s Death, Protesters Rally Against Irish Abortion Law
The tragic case of Savita Halappanavar, who died at a hospital after doctors refused to terminate her pregnancy, is attracting worldwide attention, concern–and anger
Psychological Warfare with Missiles: Why Tel Aviv Matters
The city is not the capital of Israel nor even its most populous metropolis. But it is the symbol of a secular prosperity that rankles with many others in the region–and thus a ripe target for fearmongers.